5 Myths About Sex and Aging

Wonder what happens to your love life as you get older? We separate the facts from the fiction

En español | As you reach your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, you may start to worry that your sex life is slowing down, ready to retire or kaput! To that I say, "No way!" I'd like to put an end to these common misconceptions about sex and aging — once and for all.

1. His equipment doesn't work. OK, so maybe a guy's erection isn't what it was when he was 20, but it sure as heck still does its thing. In an AARP survey of men over age 70, almost 75 percent said they had few, if any, erectile problems. And if a man does have erectile dysfunction, there's something he can do about it: There are at least three prescription drugs that will not only make the penis harder but also make sex last longer, and there are a number of other options — implants, pumps, shots — that also will do the job. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor if you need help.

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2. Neither does hers. It is true that menopause can lead to vaginal dryness but there are many great lubricants that can take care of that pesky issue. (I recommend silicon-based ones.) You can also try estrogen-based creams to plump up vaginal tissues, but be sure to talk to your doctor first.